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"Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

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toysrrus

toysrrus

Yoda
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"Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Hi Folks,

I guess you might say this is an "Introductory" post to the "Spridget Forum" for myself.

My name is Russ & I`m typ. on the "Triumph Forum".

I got the "BUG" awhile back & the "BUG" bit me really hard.

So; Today I went out and and put a deposit on a "`59 Bugeye".

I don`t have much info. in my library relative to VIN #s, Engine #s etc. So; I`m certain you folks here can shed some light on what I have.

"1959" Bugeye - VIN = AN5L24598 / Engine # = 9C UH 36881:

What do these No`s look like relative to some of the Orig. Spridgets that are out there?

How can I tell (If I can), If this is a No`s match car without a Hert. Cert?

Thanx for All the help,

Russ
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

I'm not the worlds greatest expert on MK1 Sprites, but the car number looks right for a 59. The engine number looks somewhat high for a 59. It may have come from something newer, like a 61 or 62.
One of the experts on early sprites will soon chime in if I am off base.

Bryan
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

This should help:

ID Numbers

WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!! :thumbsup:

You'll find this group of owners to be a GREAT bunch, always willing to help, provide advise, and maybe even the occasional friendly criticism...

ALL with the best intentions!

"Cheers!" :cheers:

-Bear-
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

You might also find these useful:

Manuals

Heritage Certificate

Production Numbers

& before you buy any parts be sure to ask here on the forum for recommendations.

There are plenty of good suppliers, and there are a few GREAT suppliers out there for the Spridgets!

Again, welcome! :thumbsup:

-Bear- :cheers:
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Congratulations!

Only way to tell if the numbers match is a Heritage certificate -- they are not related at all (though they are usually close-ish.

VIN looks to be September-ish of 1959, engine would be maybe April of 1960, and is a Bugeye motor (though probably not original).

Worth picking up Orginal Sprite & Midget by Terry Horler, a useful source for much of this sort of information.
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

AN5L/24598 was produced August-September 1959. 9C UH 36881 was produced April 1960.
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Hi Folks,

"THANX" for the Great info. on the Numbers Game for the Bugeye.

VINs on All LBCs seem to always be something illusive but this was a Great help.

Thanx Again to All,

Russ
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Whitephrog said:
AN5L/24598 was produced August-September 1959. 9C UH 36881 was produced April 1960.
Click to expand...

Hi Ray,

Where did you get the detailed info. from?

Thanx, Russ
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Terry Horler's book and the database at the Yahoo Bugeye Group site.
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Hi Ray,

I`m going to be ordering Terry Horlers book (Anyone out there have one For Sale)?

"Yahoo Bugeye Group Site"?????????

Whats the link? I Found my way there, Thanx.

Spark Plug Question: I`ve always used "NGK BPR6ES" in any and all my LBCs. Would this also be the plug to use in the Bugeye / Frogeye?

Which is the correct designation? "BUGEYE OR FROGEYE"?

I have to guess if your from the US; Its "Bugeye". If your from the UK or Canada; Its "Frogeye"?????????

Who cares anyway! They`re really pretty cool looking with that big "SMILEY" face.

Thanx for the Info Folks,

Russ

PS: On my Bugeye there is a thru hole about the size of a dime under ea. Headlight Rim! I think its a good idea for rain water to drain but are they supposed to be there? "I doubt it"!!
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Hi Russ,
The holes under the headlamps on the bugeye are to allow access to the headlamp rim retaining screw.
Cheers,
John
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

I am worried now........The Bugeye I just purchased and had transported from Flordia. On the title it states:
1958 AUST.
Identification Number 9CH18420
from what I am seeing this is the motor number.. the car was dropped off at my work place so I cann't look for Frame plate. But am I wrong is this the engine number that was place on the title as a vin #? This isn't good, plus the motor has been replaced with 1275

SCDMV is gonna have a field day with me if the numbers are srewed up
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

That number does indeed look like an engine number -- this is not too uncommon for older cars.
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Hello John & mightymidget,

John, Thanx for that bid of news. I`ve looked at quite a few Bugeyes and have`nt seen those "ACCESS" holes in any of the Bonnets!!

mightymidget, It sure does sound like you have the Engine # shown as the VIN; For Sure!!

Russ
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

I have the same issue with my car, but since they had no clue where to find the VIN, they were satisfied that the engine number matched, and I have a title.
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Model-Ts didn't have VIN numbers. So when VINs were later required, people typically used the engine number.

Of course, engine swaps were common. So it is not uncommon for a title to have a VIN that no longer matches the engine number.


Blank vehicle number plates are available for Sprites. SO it would be possible to create yourself a number plate that matches the title...

...just a thought...


GA only requires a bill of sale to transfer ownership for a '58 vehicle. Title isn't required.

I would guess that SC would be similar??


-Bear-
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Howdy Folks,

In one of my posts I had asked a question: I`ve always used "NGK BPR6ES" plugs in "ALL" my LBCs.

Would that be the proper plug to use in the Bugeye?

Thanx, Russ
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Clue me in on model T's.........
I went out and look at my other 58 sprite which I am waiting on a title for and the plate on left side wheel well only has "580" under that it says SEE ENGINE and cann't read the rest
 
Re: "Need Info" on "New" Spridget VIN & Engine No`s:

Yes SC only requires "Bill of Sale" but car will be hard at some point to sell with out documentation, and before I dump thousands in this car I will probably try to get it straight.
 
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